FEATURES

Tanzania loses two-thirds of elephant population in just four years

As Howard Frederick flew in a Cessna low over the scrubland of the country’s Selous game reserve, it was the complete absence of elephants rather than the piles of scattered bones he saw that chilled him most.
The team conducting the aerial wildlife counts of the country. Full Story

Better governance needed in Africa

Anyone looking at Africa could be forgiven for thinking that the continent has practically everything.
Indeed, Africa is blessed with an abundance of natural resources such as oil, natural gas and minerals of all sorts like gold, diamond, and platinum amongst. Full Story

Oftenly, on visiting a government owned dispensary or health centre in the country, patients receive disheartening news that this or that medicine is out of stock – which the only solution is to obtain them from private pharmacies.

Provision of civic education in Tanzania is, basically, aimed at imparting knowledge on the necessity of voting and selecting leadership of one’s choice. Unfortunately, however, no serious strides have been made by the government in this regard.

In nominating John Pombe Magufuli (JPM) as the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) flag bearer in the race to the State House the party has brought home the founding father’s axiom “for equitable development of a nation, four components are necessary: people, land, apt political mechanism and good leadership”.

The electoral waves in East African politics this year, like in the past make the region’s political trend uncertain as the rule of law has been notably violated in some countries in the region and quite a number of incumbents in Tanzania has avowed to emulate.

One goal that is targeted in both Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is access to water and sanitation.
While in the former it is not a stand-alone target but enshrined within the “Ensure environmental sustainability” goal, it has been identified separately in SDGs as goal six, which aims to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Tanzania’s economic growth has, in several circles, been described as improving, here and there, but on the surface, it has not been pro-poor - the majority countrymen.
Fact is, poverty still prevails in people living in cities and towns – but more so in the rural areas where the down trodden, the extremely poor live, albeit being producers of agricultural crops which the people – countrywide, use for survival.

The government of Tanzania has an acute shortage of health personnel to serve the community while it has many colleges which produce medical and health experts.
Speaking with The Guardian in an exclusive interviews on the problem, the Principal of the Kibosho School of Nursing (KSN), Nurse Tutor Devota Shayo explained that the problem is caused by some of the health personnel who are trained in the country but decide to go for greener pastures outside the country where they are better paid, leaving their fellow Tanzanians to suffer.

The government has been advised to empower secondary school students to be innovative and creative in sciences subjects so as to improve people’s lives.
This was revealed by the Ireland Second Secretary, Brian Nolan to during Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) press conferences held recently in Dar es Salaam.

“I’m not like other pupils,” says James Jackson, aged 12 from Shinyanga living with HIV. “Well, I am… but I also have to deal with secrecy, discrimination, uneducated attitudes at school, what to tell my negative friends and the constant fear of being found out.

In recent years, acts of gender based violence (GBV) have become common in our daily lives. When you read or listen to the media, at least more than one GBV related incidents are reported on daily basis.

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is moving towards a step of integrating the emerging three dimensional (3D) printing technologies into daily manufacturing activities in Tanzania.

Gender activists in the country have urged the government to implement the already passed national budget along the lines of gender priorities.
This will help to address gender imbalances that cause problems in society.

“Mt Kilimanjaro climbing is a tough task. For one to trek this snow peaked highest mountain in Africa one has to be physically fit and forbearing. But it is so wonderful when one manages to climb the mountain up to its highest point-the Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres above sea level), says Michael Roma (13), who was among 39 trekkers of the Geita Gold Mine Kilimanjaro Challenge Against HIV/AIDS 2015 during their official reception from the Roof of Africa at Mweka gate, Moshi Rural District.

July 9, 2015, saw a historical event for Tanga. It was a day that petroleum products stakeholders, precisely businessmen, sighed with relief as they heard a siren – to mark the first drops of diesel flow onto tanks owned by the Gulf Bulk Petroleum (GBP) installation tanks.

What demonstrated that things were not going right in the high level CCM meetings to put together names for balloting to obtain the party's candidate for the presidency was the confusion on timetable of meetings.

The current election fever in Tanzania keeps reminding people of the very ethics that they always insist on whenever the country is in a leadership crisis or is shaken by hurtful events such as grand corruption including the EPA and ESCROW scandals or severe malperfomance in public service.

Planning properly and at the right time is very important aspect in setting objectives of individuals, companies or any other social groups, a sure attribute to achieving goals. But in realizing one’s dream, prioritization makes better option for achieving success.

Same District, in Kilimanjaro Region has been severely affected by an outcome of climate change which include cyclical drought that has been persistent in recent years and has negatively impacted the humanitarian situation among poor populations.

What Anastasia lacks in size, she makes up in confidence as she points out what support children like herself need.
She is small for her 13 years, but otherwise looks healthy and full of life, and accepts that she lives with HIV.

University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), College of Technology and Engineering (CoET) is turning from research to action after it has managed to introduce local and easy to use Constructed Wetland Technology (CWT) which treats domestic and industrial waste water.

About eight weeks ago, Tanzania witnessed more than 40 presidential aspirants to the Presidency, mostly from the main political party – Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Gender Advocates and women empowerment groups including the Wanawake na Katiba Coalition have been gratified to note that of the 42 aspirants, 6 women - a significant departure from the situation in 2005 when there was only one female candidate.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disease.
The term sickle cell disease (SCD) describes a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. People with SCD have abnormal haemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle haaemoglobin, in their red blood cells.

The government has been advised to allocate more time when tabling crucial bills that are of benefits to the nation and its citizenry rather than tabling them on a certificate of emergence as it has happened in the ongoing 20th Parliament.

Kundaeli is a 16-year-old boy, who is in Form Two in one of the Arusha-based secondary schools. He was born with HIV—meaning that his parents were HIV positive and at that time Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme was not in place.

Historically, environmental crime in Tanzania has been tackled through uncoordinated institutional efforts and resources without significant achievements despite using more resources compared to the outcome.

Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has recently received an award for the Best Investment Project 2014 in the East, Central and West Africa Region. The Project that has given the country this respect is Viettel Tanzania.

Development of industries in any country in the world depends on science and technology and innovation.
Officiating a three-day Fourth Annual Scientific Conference on science and technology and innovation, that started yesterday in Dar es Salaam President Jakaya Kikwete said “I am really impressed by improvement of the standard of innovations taking place in the country targeting to solving social problems in the country,” he commended.

The Spanish Government through the Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDGF) has granted UN Agencies in Tanzania, Delivering as One (DaO) over 3.1/- billion towards community development projects some of which are implemented by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).

The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has called upon the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children (MCDGC) to postpone registering for certificate of compliance until the conflicts of laws regulating NGOs are resolved.

The famous political and social philosopher of 19th century, Karl Marx, years ago said that economy is the base of all social relations. Being in the 21st century, and that no any other scholar has raised valid criticism to make what Marx said ineffective, the youths of Tanzania need to assess their economic destiny in the so called integration of East African countries and the world at large.

The Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) is targeting 50 per cent of Tanzanian adult population to be capital markets literate by the end of next year (2016).
This plan calls for a sustained and holistic educational and awareness approach to ensure that many citizens are aware of the opportunities offered by capital markets and securities industry.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment Report (AR5) has provided an alarming report showing that Africa’s agricultural sector will lose USD 311m/- every year worth of effects from the global climate change.

Following the continuation of poaching and wildlife trafficking incidences in the country conducted by poachers, the government has launched an awareness campaign involving local and international celebrities, religious leaders and organisations.

With all party-level presidential contestants in Tanzania’s October elections touting about taking the country into a middle-income level economic rating with such things as education, employment creation, youth and women empowerment, and fighting corruption being on the forefront, much is left to be desired as not only that the story tells people what they want to hear most but also because the candidates give no details as to how the economic dream will be realized.

A decent residential house, surrounded by good environment, is everybody's dream. But due to general poverty it is a dream rarely realised by many people.
Which is why squatters are the order of the day in many parts of the of urban areas.

The Vice President Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, has told the gathering during the launch of the Avic Town at Somangira, Kigamboni in Temeke Municipality over the weekend that the houses development in the area will be of so much advantage to Tanzanians.

Countdown to 2015 tracks coverage levels for health interventions proven to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality, together with data on equity of coverage, health financing, policy and health systems, and other determinants of coverage.

Many in the agriculture sector, believe that apart from providing a fair and reasonably secure living for farm families, a sustainable agriculture must minimise harm to the natural environment by maintaining basic natural resources such as healthy soil and clean water, where farming activities take place.

May be Tanzania’s first President Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere’s message written to the management of the Institute of Advanced Motorists during the opening ceremony of the institute in the early days of independence would be pertinent here at this time when we are discussing crucial matters pertaining to safety on our roads.

Hilda Chuwa is a mother of five, who before used to rear different types of poultry as well as engaging into backyard vegetable farming.
But, she was forced to reduce the number of chickens in an exchange of rabbit farming, which has started attracting large number of people particularly, women in Arusha.

By nature, crocodiles live mainly in cold water, feasting on various species of fish, birds, animals and reptiles - such as mongoose, snakes, hares and birds – all of them living within the crocs habitats.

Last Friday people across the globe celebrated the World Day against child labour, which is an opportunity for them to raise up their voices and in the call for all children to have a right to education.

Tanzania needs widespread and sustainable economic growth to alleviate poverty. The biggest contribution to growth must come from the agricultural sector, in which most Tanzanians earn their livelihoods.

How much hope is there that the ruling party (CCM) central committee, egged on by its inner ethics committee guided by militant (or conservative), Mainland vice chairman Philip Mangula will take a specific direction in the nomination of the party candidate for the presidency is perhaps the most undeclared sticking point of political debate at the moment.

When today the world celebrates World Day against Child labour 2015, the unacceptable reality is that today millions of children around the world, some as young as five, are still working for their survival and that of their families.

Across Africa seed is one of the most important crop production inputs. The use of uncertified seed is one of the major reasons for low cotton production in Tanzania. The cotton seeds multiplication system collapsed immediately after liberalisation in 1994.

Construction of new housing structures is visible in various places of the country, particularly in towns, though the development seems to be slowly creeping to rural areas.
In the eyes of ordinary citizens, what is happening is a doubtless indicator that more people have more financial muscle – whether or not the mansions were built with ill gotten financial resources notwithstanding.

Juliet, a 27-year-old mother of three, now livswith her parents in Ngaramtoni area of Arusha after her husband abandoned her after being found HIV-positive. Things turn sour, when her marriage turned ten years and particularly soon after getting her third pregnancy.

Quality Healthcare service is very important for any human being, and if any nation fails to carry out concrete measures in ensuaring that health services are improved then it put lives of its people in a great danger.

For many years women have feared to contest in elections. That comes due to various reasons which hinder back their courage.
Economic challenges, male dominance, religious restrictions, and lack of courage are to blame for women's fear to participate in politics.

Old McDonald has a farm and on that farm he has 80 per cent cows and 20 per cent other animals, old McDonald invests less than 10 per cent to care for the cows and claims to spend the rest of his earnings on the other farm animals.

About 30,000 Congolese refugees will be relocated from the refugees’ camps in Tanzania to the United States of America this year as part of a regional resettlement strategy.
UN Resident Coordinator Alvaro Rodriguez, told The Guardian in Nyarugusu Refugees Camp in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region recently when he visited the area to assess the developing of the Burundian refugees situation.

Fodder preservation and fodder management has become a major challenge facing the dairy sub-sector in Tanzania, hence failure to increase on the milk production.
Tanzania is the third in Africa with about 21.

After episodes of endless strike, a section of rioting students of Kampala International University at its Dar es Salaam constituent college remained in police custody for a week after attacking fellow students in classes, causing grievous harm to people and damaging property.

When Tanzania is about to hold its general election, come October, this year, Tanzanians have been advised to keep and enjoy peace prevailing in the country.
Speaking to The Guardian in an exclusive interview last week, Syrian Ambassador to Tanzania Abdulmonem Annan said “Enjoy the peace and stability you are having in this country.

Three boards recently started the annual meeting of experts in the construction industry in Dar es Salaam, which drew together contractors, engineers, architects and quantity surveyors from every corner of Tanzania and outside the country.

Great strides in legislation, policies and the constitution provide every child rights. However, mainland law of the Child Act about corporal punishment on children and child marriage has not been abolished.

Dennis Mwanjelwa first heard about Mtenda Kyela Rice Supply market initiative last year from his fellow farmers in the Chamoto Village in Tanzania’s Mbeya Region, who had undergone training from the company.

To honour Africa Day, for the past two weeks, The Guardian published two special features acknowledging the contribution of our nation’s founding Fathers’ Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Amani Abeid Karume to the liberation struggle of Tanzanian and the rest of Africa.

The political situation in Burundi is still volatile, two weeks after an abortive coup, with the return home from Tanzania of President Pierre Nkurunziza having failed to reduce tensions in the country.

Proper food storage is important for our health. Eating food that has been improperly stored has the potential to make a person sick when he consumes it.
Many people have been storing food improperly especially food vendors in urban areas.

School girls in the country have been reminded to guard themselves against following peer pressure groups which may lead them into early marriages and pregnancies.
Education is a basic right and girls have the opportunity of completing their studies no matter their circumstances.

The government’s efforts in trying to improve the country’s agricultural sector have in recent years resulted into relative increase in productivity of maize. The production increase follows an increase of the land under cultivation which accounts for 4 million ha.

Kilosa communities who are integrating sustainable charcoal production within the community based forest management to generate financial income that could enable them manage their village land forest reserves are now facing an uphill task.

Looking at the water sector in developing countries like Tanzania, one may cite resource scarcity as a major problem. Of course it is, to a great extent, what with many rivers and lakes drying and some having reduced flows even during the rainy season.

Biogas is one of the green energies which have started tapping roots in rural areas across the Lake Zone regions of Tanzania. The new technology provides poor rural communities with clean and renewable energy all year round.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) on May 7, this year marked 5 years since the launch of its Youth Entrepreneurship Facility (YEF) by holding a National Capstone Conference in Tanzania where a number of youths also celebrated their successes.

Poor Governance in the forest sector contributes to reduced goods and services, lost taxes and royalties, and the erosion of rural livelihoods.
Speaking in Arusha recently during the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the new forest cooperation agreement between Kenya and Tanzania, Kenya Acting Director of Kenyan Forest Service Emilio N.

Public transport this week has been a hell of a tragedy because of the strike that is going on among the public transport drivers. This has been a major problem to students who stay off campus grounds and study from home.

The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), in partnership with US Embassy Dar es Salaam have awarded undergraduate students, winners of the ‘Powering Africa Research Paper Competition 2025.

Hell broke loose yesterday for residents of Kibaha District, Coast Region after means of transport were brought to a standstill when bus drivers withdrew their ignition keys demanding official employment contracts with their employers among others.

The United Nations family in Tanzania has condemned acts that aimed at restricting the exercise by journalists of their right to freedom of expression and urged the authorities to carry out prompt investigation into the killing and attacks of journalists in Tanzania.

In order to promote prevention culture to curb workplace illness and injuries by ensuring that work sustains and supports decent lives, the government, employers, workers organisations, community-based organisations and local authorities, among others have been urge to join hands.

During the recent meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women which was held in March this year, it was reported that the implementation progress of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in the past 20 years was unacceptably slow with areas of stagnation and even regression.

There is a new kid on the block in the energy sector. Walk the streets of an urban centre, a city, a municipal and you will not fail to see this guy perched somewhere between textile and general goods shops.

There were an estimated 2 million malaria deaths worldwide currently and of them occur in sub-Saharan Africa 90 per cent and in children under 5 years of age 77 per cent Between 2000 and 2012, estimated malaria mortality rates decreased by 42 percent worldwide and by 49 per cent in the African Region; they are estimated to have decreased by 48 percent in children under 5 years of age globally and by 54 per cent in the African Region.

Some of the Nsalala residents have urged the government to carryout civic education to people living in rural areas so as to enable them to have informed decision when time for voting either for or against for the proposed constitution comes.